Preseason GDT: Blues vs Dallas 6PM CDT

[dhsux]

To be clear, I am NOT trying to make an excuse, but they did have a practice and a flight into hostile territory today. The goalies played good today as well as Mailloux and Broberg. They were outshot 2 to 1 and still had a tie game after 3 periods. Not a bad showing all-in- all but a win would have been nice. Offense definitely could have played better.

Going to agree about Mailloux and Bro...the team did not seem to gel too well but individually there were not a ton of mistakes.

At some point here DD has to shine like a #10. I would get him off center and let him focus on wing.

Carb did look comfortable out there and not much like a rookie.

JB was awesome and Ellis held his own.

Monty gave the 3 shootout tries to the youngsters. Oh well.

[stlblue06]

Let’s chill on the DD bashing. It’s the 1st preseason game.

Seeing the Blues only had 13 shots through around the halfway point of the 3rd, not many players looked good.

I thought Holloway stood out. Showing that speed and tenacity combined with skill we all love. Going to show some love to Matt Kessel. I thought he looked very solid when I saw him out there.

[stljrs]

I thought Kaskimaki looked pretty noticeable out there. Every shift he seemed to be around the puck.
Carbonneau looked pretty good but he also forced things a bit and had a few turnovers.
Unfortunately, Dvorsky just doesn't look NHL ready to me and certainly not at center no matter how much I want him to be. There just doesn't seem to be that urgency to his game that he needs to have to play in the NHL. The size and skill is there but he's got to want it more.
Broberg and Mailloux were effective and both had a pretty solid game which was good to see, especially from Mailloux.
Susuyev flashed some skill. Could be a pleasant surprise down the road.

[DawgDad]

What a hot mess. A terribly lopsided game, outstanding goaltending prevented a shellacking. The Blues big guns spent most of their time defending. When Toropchenko is your biggest offensive threat, well.

Dallas by far played the better checking and puck possession game. Mailloux passed the eye-test. Dvorsky looked OK defensively but he was held in check offensively, often the lone (ineffective) forechecker. Couple of the not-to-be Blues got thoroughly torched on the faceoff dot. Blues had some moments with the NHL guys on the ice but too few and far between.

In the end we didn't learn much of anything about the 2025-26 Blues except Binner is still a world-class goaltender, Holloway appears healthy, Mailloux and Broberg look ok, and the 4th line will show up. There appears to be depth in goaltending and on defense but this was not a true test against top NHL talent.

[a smell of green grass]

The Stars outshot the Blues 34-15, and it looked worse.

The Stars were noticeably faster and more talented.

[Bluesfan1978]

Forwards
Holloway looked great
65, 68, showed flashes, neither look ready for a regular season game yet
54 looks like he has improved from last year but still needs to improve his quickness to race for pucks, it could be he’s playing to not make a mistake as well. Either way he doesn’t look ready to be a starter for the season.
Torpo looked good
Walker was alright, team was terrible at faceoffs
D
Broberg looks ready and confident, almost tucked a goal in
Mailloux I thought played a great game, he actually hit Broberg with the pass to go in on net
Fisher has some nice plays, can’t wait to see him develop and add some size. He is going to be a major pain in the (donkey) to play against.
Kessel made a few good plays, seems like he’s too slow at times.
Lindstein I didn’t think had a great game
McIsaac I thought looked better than the prospects games, maybe has a shot as a depth D some day for call ups
Goalies both look good

[a smell of green grass]

The Blues new coach was outshined by the Dallas Stars newer coach.

Very impressive that the Dallas coach has his team playing his new system so well. After a slow 1st period, the Stars really locked down the Blues.

[Bluesfan1978]

The Blues new coach was outshined by the Dallas Stars newer coach.

Very impressive that the Dallas coach has his team playing his new system so well. After a slow 1st period, the Stars really locked down the Blues.

Stars may have had a slight advantage in pro experience.
Defensemen
The Stars youngest D was 22 and he has 2 years of AHL experience
The Blues including Mailloux had 4 D 22 or younger, Lindstein, McIassic and Fisher are all 20 or younger.
Forwards the Stars had one player that was under 23 who was Hemming.
Their 23- and 24-year-olds have 2-3 years NA pro expierence
The Blues had
Robertsson at 22
Kaskimaki at 21
DD 20
Susuyev 20
Jecho 19
Dorion 19
Carbonneau 18
In total The Stars had 2 players 22 or younger. Their 22-year-old played in the AHL the past two seasons and their one other player Hemming was a 1st round draft pick in 24. The Blues had 11 players 22 or younger. 7 Blues players have no pro experience in NA. Their only player 22 or younger with 2 years pro experience is Mailloux

[zamadoo]

Let’s chill on the DD bashing. It’s the 1st preseason game.

Seeing the Blues only had 13 shots through around the halfway point of the 3rd, not many players looked good.

I thought Holloway stood out. Showing that speed and tenacity combined with skill we all love. Going to show some love to Matt Kessel. I thought he looked very solid when I saw him out there.

+1

Only thing I'd say about Dvo is that he also seemed sort of lethargic at the prospect tournament (compared to last season). Just not sure what to think and will chalk it up to "it's preseason" for now.

I noted Holloway earlier in the thread - he is healthy and has such a well-rounded game. Showed he was the best forward on the Blues. His hands were there last night for sure.

Kessel had some plays and looked good for the most part. I liked him a while back when he had a nice rookie stint. Seemed like he fell off the next season.

Broberg was poised, skilled, and smart. Had a dandy of a move breaking into the zone. Looked like a solid vet.

Mailloux was similar in style, skill, and composure. Seemed to make the smart defensive play, and between the two of them with their long reach, there were some offsides and the majority of plays forced outside. Pretty sure they played PP and PK as well. Dynamic pairing, and Mailloux is everything I was hoping - even saw him get physical behind the net. Very good hands and stick.

Lindste[e]n seems about where Broberg probably was two preseasons ago. I think he could probably hang in the NHL in a limited role, but playing more minutes in the AHL while he learns the NA game will do him well.

Susuev (no y?) impressed again. His skillset seems to match the NA game. He's good in tight spaces and has some strength on the puck. Seems like a smart and aggressive player. Some explosiveness.

Pekarcik was good overall. He is above most of the other prospects in terms of development, which makes sense as he's a bit older. He's my first call up right now.

If Jecho increases balance, control, and skating in general, I think he could be a bottom 6 guy. Aggressive, but a bit sluggish, and maybe still growing into that large frame.

Robertsson had a good showing at the tournament and looked alright last night. Smart and aggressive.

Fischer is good. Big, smooth skater, long reach, usually in the right spot and making the right play.

Once McIsaac got used to the pace, I thought he was solid enough. Reminds me a bit of a right handed Ed at this age.

Carb is a smart player with great instincts, solid body positioning, good hands, and is very poised. That line was pretty good together.

Looking forward to the next game to see some of the guys competing for spots.

[zamadoo]

The Blues new coach was outshined by the Dallas Stars newer coach.

Very impressive that the Dallas coach has his team playing his new system so well. After a slow 1st period, the Stars really locked down the Blues.

Stars may have had a slight advantage in pro experience.
Defensemen
The Stars youngest D was 22 and he has 2 years of AHL experience
The Blues including Mailloux had 4 D 22 or younger, Lindstein, McIassic and Fisher are all 20 or younger.
Forwards the Stars had one player that was under 23 who was Hemming.
Their 23- and 24-year-olds have 2-3 years NA pro expierence
The Blues had
Robertsson at 22
Kaskimaki at 21
DD 20
Susuyev 20
Jecho 19
Dorion 19
Carbonneau 18
In total The Stars had 2 players 22 or younger. Their 22-year-old played in the AHL the past two seasons and their one other player Hemming was a 1st round draft pick in 24. The Blues had 11 players 22 or younger. 7 Blues players have no pro experience in NA. Their only player 22 or younger with 2 years pro experience is Mailloux

Thanks for sharing, I was wondering about the competition.

[Harry S Deals]

The Blues new coach was outshined by the Dallas Stars newer coach.

Very impressive that the Dallas coach has his team playing his new system so well. After a slow 1st period, the Stars really locked down the Blues.

Stars may have had a slight advantage in pro experience.
Defensemen
The Stars youngest D was 22 and he has 2 years of AHL experience
The Blues including Mailloux had 4 D 22 or younger, Lindstein, McIassic and Fisher are all 20 or younger.
Forwards the Stars had one player that was under 23 who was Hemming.
Their 23- and 24-year-olds have 2-3 years NA pro expierence
The Blues had
Robertsson at 22
Kaskimaki at 21
DD 20
Susuyev 20
Jecho 19
Dorion 19
Carbonneau 18
In total The Stars had 2 players 22 or younger. Their 22-year-old played in the AHL the past two seasons and their one other player Hemming was a 1st round draft pick in 24. The Blues had 11 players 22 or younger. 7 Blues players have no pro experience in NA. Their only player 22 or younger with 2 years pro experience is Mailloux

Thanks for sharing, I was wondering about the competition.

That was my observation too. The Blues we needed to see look good did exactly that vs a slightly more polished Dallas squad.
Broberg was the best player on the ice for either team he almost walked a dman and finished a dazzler. Holloway is a stud.
Mailloux showed well he can certainly play now he made a bad pass behind his own net but otherwise looked good.
Kaskimaki stood out, Robertsson held his own, Dvorsky was ok I'd like to see him win some.battles on the forecheck, DD isn't making the Blues out of camp.
Carbonneau was pretty good he doesn't look like an 18 yr old. Interesting comment by the announcer that the Blues had Carbonneau at #7 and were prepared to perhaps move out of the first round if he wasn't available to them. I think JC could play now but there are a lot of guys ahead of him Stenberg may have a better shot among the kids
The rest of the kids were ok again there isn't much to gleem in a game like this on the road using all your prospects. It's easy to be negative but it doesn't matter much at all in the big picture

[b-a-a-a-rclay]

The Blues new coach was outshined by the Dallas Stars newer coach.

Very impressive that the Dallas coach has his team playing his new system so well. After a slow 1st period, the Stars really locked down the Blues.

Stars may have had a slight advantage in pro experience.
Defensemen
The Stars youngest D was 22 and he has 2 years of AHL experience
The Blues including Mailloux had 4 D 22 or younger, Lindstein, McIassic and Fisher are all 20 or younger.
Forwards the Stars had one player that was under 23 who was Hemming.
Their 23- and 24-year-olds have 2-3 years NA pro expierence
The Blues had
Robertsson at 22
Kaskimaki at 21
DD 20
Susuyev 20
Jecho 19
Dorion 19
Carbonneau 18
In total The Stars had 2 players 22 or younger. Their 22-year-old played in the AHL the past two seasons and their one other player Hemming was a 1st round draft pick in 24. The Blues had 11 players 22 or younger. 7 Blues players have no pro experience in NA. Their only player 22 or younger with 2 years pro experience is Mailloux

Thanks for sharing, I was wondering about the competition.

It reminded me of the Blues scrimmage yesterday morning. There is no flow to the play when you have guys who are JR, AHL, and NHL all mixed together and they haven't hardly played together at all. The other team having the same situation makes it even worse. But all you can do is evaluate individuals but even that is hard to do when they don't know their teammates' tendencies. Bottom line from last night is that Mailloux has plenty of potential which I have been seeing at camp also. He's going to make mistakes but I have already seen enough potential at the practices to see why the Blues were willing to let go of a player with as much promise as Bolduc has. Mailloux has size, mobility, aggressiveness and a plus NHL caliber shot (his slap shot and wrist shot both are very good). He's going to add to the offense. Perfect for Monty's scheme.

[Frank Barone]

Let’s chill on the DD bashing. It’s the 1st preseason game.

Seeing the Blues only had 13 shots through around the halfway point of the 3rd, not many players looked good.

I thought Holloway stood out. Showing that speed and tenacity combined with skill we all love. Going to show some love to Matt Kessel. I thought he looked very solid when I saw him out there.

+1

Only thing I'd say about Dvo is that he also seemed sort of lethargic at the prospect tournament (compared to last season). Just not sure what to think and will chalk it up to "it's preseason" for now.

I noted Holloway earlier in the thread - he is healthy and has such a well-rounded game. Showed he was the best forward on the Blues. His hands were there last night for sure.

Kessel had some plays and looked good for the most part. I liked him a while back when he had a nice rookie stint. Seemed like he fell off the next season.

Broberg was poised, skilled, and smart. Had a dandy of a move breaking into the zone. Looked like a solid vet.

Mailloux was similar in style, skill, and composure. Seemed to make the smart defensive play, and between the two of them with their long reach, there were some offsides and the majority of plays forced outside. Pretty sure they played PP and PK as well. Dynamic pairing, and Mailloux is everything I was hoping - even saw him get physical behind the net. Very good hands and stick.

Lindste[e]n seems about where Broberg probably was two preseasons ago. I think he could probably hang in the NHL in a limited role, but playing more minutes in the AHL while he learns the NA game will do him well.

Susuev (no y?) impressed again. His skillset seems to match the NA game. He's good in tight spaces and has some strength on the puck. Seems like a smart and aggressive player. Some explosiveness.

Pekarcik was good overall. He is above most of the other prospects in terms of development, which makes sense as he's a bit older. He's my first call up right now.

If Jecho increases balance, control, and skating in general, I think he could be a bottom 6 guy. Aggressive, but a bit sluggish, and maybe still growing into that large frame.

Robertsson had a good showing at the tournament and looked alright last night. Smart and aggressive.

Fischer is good. Big, smooth skater, long reach, usually in the right spot and making the right play.

Once McIsaac got used to the pace, I thought he was solid enough. Reminds me a bit of a right handed Ed at this age.

Carb is a smart player with great instincts, solid body positioning, good hands, and is very poised. That line was pretty good together.

Looking forward to the next game to see some of the guys competing for spots.

Great comments. Just a couple more:

I think Kessel is a very capable NHL defenseman. I don't know why he gets knocked on this forum so much.

Mailloux looked very good. He has physical attributes that can't be taught. He played very well.

Carbo doesn't look like he is 18. I think he goes to junior and hopefully makes the WJC team. He could be on the Blues roster for this year's playoffs and certainly by next season.

[John Cocktoastin]

Dvorsky was benched at the IIHF World Championship quarterfinals. Hoping he has a natural fire that can get him going. He needs to prove it's there night in and night out.

“‘Dalo’ is a generational talent,” the Slovak coach began, as reported by Dominik Dubovči of Hokej.cz. “One day, if he does things right and is well-adjusted – which I think he is – he will be the leader of the national team. But we cannot consider young Dalibor a leader right now.

[a smell of green grass]

Key Questions that arise from game:

Carbonneau get that goal if Oettinger in net?

How many goals would Dallas have scored if NHL Goalie (JB and JH) wasn't in net?

Is it time to move DVO to wing?

How was Mailloux's defense?

[BalotelliMassive]

I think Dvorsky is getting passed up by somebody that was drafted after him...